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Updated at 6:09 a.m., Sunday, April 13, 2008

Tennis: Russia beats Czech Republic to advance to Davis semifinals

Associated Press

MOSCOW — Russia reached the Davis Cup semifinals for the fourth consecutive year today, eliminating the Czech Republic when injured Tomas Berdych quit during the fifth set against Nikolay Davydenko.

The win gave Russia an insurmountable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five quarterfinal. Lukas Dlouhy of the Czech Republic beat Marat Safin 6-3, 6-3 in the meaningless second reverse singles to make the final score 3-2.

Berdych was up 2-1 in the fifth set and facing Davydenko's serve when he fell as he reached for a forehand cross, appearing to twist his right ankle.

It was the second straight time Russia advanced after an opponent retired with an injury in the decisive fifth set. Serbia's Novak Djokovic pulled out against Davydenko in the first round in February.

The victory extended Russia's unbeaten streak at home to 16 series since 1995, when Pete Sampras won all three of his matches to lead the United States to victory.

Russia won the Davis Cup in 2002 and 2006 and was runner-up to the U.S. last year. The Czech team won its only title in 1980 and was playing in its first quarterfinal since 2002.